University of La Verne College of Law Launches “Project Access” a Multi-Level, Minority-Focused Mentorship Program

Ontario, Calif., November 2, 2009 – The University of La Verne College of Law inaugurated a multi-level mentorship program, entitled “Project Access.” The program provides minority high school students, undergraduates, law students, novice attorneys and seasoned lawyers with a mentoring forum dedicated to mutual support, professional development and guidance.

“We are fortunate to participate in this unique program that brings together people at every key stage in the pipeline leading towards a career in law,” said Dean Allen K. Easley. “This mentorship program is designed to encourage members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession to dream big dreams about their future by working side-by-side with others who have fulfilled their dreams, or who are on their way to fulfilling their dreams. This collaborative project is a landmark development for La Verne Law.”

Project Access started the 2009-2010 academic year with a kickoff welcoming and orientation event on October 17, 2009. The program will host three other events in upcoming months, including:

Financial Aid/Academic & Job Applications Workshop, November 14, 2009

Clerkship/Internship Day, January 2010

Mock Trial, April 2010

“Project Access is designed to increase opportunities for members of underrepresented groups to become leaders and collaborate on various issues impacting their respective fields.” said Associate Professor of Law, Director of Academic Support, and project facilitator, Kathy Luttrell Garcia. “We are very much looking forward to the synergy and lifelong relationships this program will develop at La Verne Law.”

La Verne Law was competitively selected to partner in Project Access with the Hispanic National Bar Foundation. The project is co-sponsored by La Verne Law, the Law School Admissions Council, the University of La Verne-George Lopez Student Chapter of the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Foundation.

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About the University of La Verne College of LawLocated in Ontario, Calif., the University of La Verne College of Law serves over 4 million people as the only ABA-approved law school in Inland Southern California and an additional 2.2 million people in San Gabriel Valley and Eastern Los Angeles County. For more information about the College of Law, please call (909) 460-2001 or visit the Web at http://law.laverne.edu.